One of the biggest myths about massage therapy is that you must be completely undressed for the session to be effective. This simply isn’t true, and it can create unnecessary anxiety for many people. The most important element of a successful massage is your ability to relax, and that starts with feeling safe and secure. So, let’s talk openly about what to wear to a Swedish massage. The answer is simple: you undress to your personal comfort level. Our professional, licensed therapists are focused on your well-being and can work effectively whether you choose to leave undergarments on or not. Your peace of mind is our priority.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize Your Comfort on the Table: You are in control of what you wear (or don’t wear) during your massage. Professional draping keeps you securely and modestly covered, so you can relax knowing your privacy is respected.
- Choose a Simple, Comfortable Outfit: Wear loose-fitting clothes to your appointment that are easy to change out of. This helps you transition seamlessly into relaxation mode and makes it easier to stay relaxed after your session ends.
- Speak Up to Tailor Your Experience: Your feedback is crucial for a great massage. Don’t hesitate to communicate your needs regarding pressure, room temperature, or draping to ensure the session is perfectly suited to you.
What Should I Wear for a Swedish Massage?
If you’re getting ready for your first massage, or even your tenth, you might find yourself wondering what you’re supposed to wear—or not wear—on the table. It’s a question we get all the time, and it’s a great one to ask. Feeling comfortable and prepared is the first step to a truly relaxing experience. Let’s clear up any confusion so you can walk into your appointment feeling confident and ready to unwind.
Answering Your Top Questions About Attire
The simple answer is: you should undress to your personal comfort level. For many people, this means removing all of their clothing, while for others, it means leaving their underwear on. Both options are perfectly fine. Your massage therapist will leave the room to give you privacy while you undress and get settled under the sheet and blanket on the massage table. Throughout your Swedish massage, you will be professionally draped at all times. Only the specific area of your body being worked on will be uncovered. Your comfort and privacy are our main concerns.
Common Myths About Massage Clothing, Debunked
One of the biggest myths about massage is that you must be completely undressed for it to be effective. This simply isn’t true. The most important part of a successful massage is that you are relaxed, and if leaving your undergarments on helps you feel more secure, then that’s the right choice for you. A professional therapist can easily work around clothing. Rest assured that our dedicated team is trained to prioritize your sense of security. Feeling safe and comfortable on the table is far more important than what you choose to wear.
How to Prepare for Your Swedish Massage
Getting ready for your massage should be just as relaxing as the massage itself. There are no strict rules, but a little preparation can make your experience seamless from start to finish. Think of these as simple tips to help you transition smoothly into a state of bliss. The main goal is for you to feel comfortable and at ease the moment you walk through our doors. We’ll handle the rest, ensuring your time with us is dedicated entirely to your relaxation and well-being.
Whether you’re coming in for a classic Swedish massage or a more intensive deep tissue session, these guidelines will help you get the most out of your appointment. We’ll cover what to wear to the studio, what to do with accessories, and a few notes on hair and makeup so you can arrive feeling confident and ready to unwind.
What to Wear to the Studio
When choosing your outfit for the day, think comfort and ease. We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing that’s easy to slip on and off. Think yoga pants, soft t-shirts, or anything you’d wear to relax at home. This isn’t a dress code, but rather a suggestion to make your experience more convenient. You’ll be changing in the privacy of your treatment room, and having simple clothes to change back into will help you carry that post-massage calm with you when you leave. Avoid anything restrictive or complicated, as your only job here is to relax.
A Note on Jewelry and Accessories
It’s best to leave your jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, rings, and watches, at home or remove them before your session begins. This prevents your treasured items from getting coated in massage oil or lotion and ensures they don’t get in the way of your therapist’s work. Removing them also prevents any discomfort from jewelry pressing into your skin during the massage. Your focus should be on the therapeutic touch, not on a tangled necklace or a tight-fitting ring. This small step helps create a distraction-free environment where you can fully let go.
Simple Tips for Hair and Makeup
If you have long hair, you may want to bring a hair tie to keep it comfortably out of the way, especially when your therapist works on your neck and shoulders. As for makeup, feel free to come as you are. Just know that your face will be resting in a face cradle for part of the massage, which can smudge foundation or mascara. For your ultimate comfort, you might prefer to arrive fresh-faced. We also ask that you skip any heavy perfumes or scented lotions, as strong fragrances can interfere with the calming atmosphere we create for all our guests.
What Happens During the Massage?
Once you’re in the private treatment room, your massage therapist will chat with you for a few minutes about your needs for the session. They’ll ask about any areas of tension, injuries, or specific goals you have for your massage. This is the perfect time to mention if you prefer a certain pressure or have any concerns. After your conversation, the therapist will step out of the room, allowing you complete privacy to get ready. They will explain how to lie on the table—either face up or face down—and to get comfortable under the sheet and blanket. They’ll knock before re-entering to make sure you’re settled and ready to begin.
The entire process is designed around you. Our goal is to create a calm, safe, and restorative environment from the moment you walk in. You are always in control of your session, and your comfort is our main focus. Whether it’s your first massage or your fiftieth, we want you to feel completely at ease. Our team of licensed massage therapists is here to provide a professional, healing experience tailored just for you.
Undressing to Your Comfort Level
One of the most common questions we get is, “What am I supposed to wear during the massage?” The simple answer is: whatever makes you comfortable. Most people undress completely or choose to leave their underwear on for a Swedish or deep tissue massage. The choice is entirely yours, and it will not affect the quality of your massage.
Your therapist is a trained professional focused on your muscles and overall well-being, not on what you’re wearing. The most important thing is that you can fully relax on the table. Remember, you will be securely covered by a sheet and blanket throughout the entire session, a practice known as draping.
How Professional Draping Keeps You Covered
Professional draping is a standard practice in massage therapy that ensures your privacy and comfort. Your therapist will use a sheet to cover your body, and only the specific area being worked on will be uncovered at any time. For example, when they are massaging your back, the rest of your body will remain covered. When they move to a leg, they will carefully tuck the sheet to expose only that leg, keeping you securely covered everywhere else.
This technique is a cornerstone of professional massage. It allows the therapist to effectively treat your muscles while making sure you feel safe, warm, and unexposed. Our therapists are experts in draping, so you can relax knowing your modesty is always respected.
Staying Warm and Comfortable on the Table
Beyond ensuring privacy, draping plays a key role in your physical comfort. The layers of the sheet and blanket keep you warm and cozy, helping your muscles relax more deeply. A warm body is a relaxed body, which allows your therapist to work more effectively to release tension and knots.
If at any point during your massage you feel too cool or too warm, please speak up. Your therapist can easily add or remove a blanket to adjust to your needs. The temperature of the room, the table warmer, and the layers of draping can all be modified to create your ideal environment for relaxation.
Your Privacy is Our Priority
Your privacy is paramount from start to finish. Your therapist will always leave the room to give you space to undress and get situated on the massage table before the session begins. They will knock and wait for your permission before re-entering. Likewise, at the end of the massage, they will step out of the room so you can get dressed in private.
We are committed to maintaining a professional and respectful atmosphere where you feel completely safe. Every aspect of your experience at Nola Bliss is designed to protect your privacy and honor your comfort, allowing you to fully embrace the therapeutic benefits of your massage.
How to Communicate Your Comfort Level
Your massage is your time, and your comfort is the most important part of the experience. A great massage therapist wants you to feel safe, respected, and completely at ease. Think of communication as a key part of the therapy itself, allowing your therapist to tailor the session perfectly to you. Whether it’s about the pressure, the room temperature, or how you’re draped, your voice matters. Before your session begins, your therapist will chat with you about your goals. This is the perfect time to bring up any concerns. Our team of therapists is here to listen and adapt, ensuring you have a wonderfully relaxing experience.
Voicing Your Preferences and Boundaries
You are always in charge during your massage. If you prefer to leave on certain articles of clothing, just let your therapist know. If a particular technique feels uncomfortable or you’d like the pressure adjusted, please speak up. We encourage you to share your preferences before we even begin, but you should also feel empowered to say something at any point during the session. Our goal is to create a relaxing environment, and we can only do that with your feedback. Your therapist will check in with you, but don’t ever hesitate to voice a concern or request.
Honoring Cultural and Religious Needs
We understand that modesty is a personal and sometimes culturally significant matter. At NOLA Bliss, we are committed to creating a space where everyone feels respected. If your cultural or religious beliefs require specific considerations for draping or attire, please let us know. Our licensed massage therapists are professionals who will gladly work with you to ensure your boundaries are honored. We can adjust our draping methods or plan the session around any clothing you keep on, ensuring you receive the full benefits of your Swedish massage while feeling completely secure.
Accommodating Special Circumstances
Life brings unique situations, and your massage should adapt to them. If you’re recovering from an injury, are pregnant, or have sensitivities to textures or temperatures, clear communication is key. We can use extra blankets if you get cold easily or adjust positioning to keep pressure off a sensitive area. For expectant mothers, our prenatal massages are specifically designed with comfort and safety in mind, using special pillows and draping. Letting your therapist know about your circumstances allows them to make the right adjustments so you can relax.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Getting ready for your massage should be just as stress-free as the appointment itself. The good news is, you don’t need to bring much. We provide fresh linens, professional-grade oils and lotions, and a serene environment. Your main job is to show up ready to relax. Here’s a simple guide to help you prepare for your visit, from what to pack to what to wear for our unpredictable New Orleans weather.
The Essentials to Pack
Honestly, you can travel light. We have everything you need for a wonderful massage experience right here in our studio. The most important thing to bring is yourself. If you have long hair, you might want to bring a hair tie to keep it comfortably out of the way. Otherwise, just think about your post-massage plans. You’ll need a form of payment, and if you’re a new client, having your intake form filled out ahead of time can save a few minutes. Most importantly, bring an open mind and a willingness to communicate. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your massage therapist before the session begins.
Dressing for the New Orleans Weather
Anyone who’s spent time in New Orleans knows our weather has a mind of its own. One minute it’s sunny and humid, the next there’s a downpour. We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothes that are easy to take off and put back on. Think yoga pants, soft t-shirts, or a casual dress. Layers are always a smart choice, allowing you to adjust to the outdoor heat and our cool, air-conditioned studio. Try to avoid restrictive clothing like tight jeans or stiff fabrics, as they can be a hassle to change out of and can feel constricting after your session.
Choosing Your Post-Massage Outfit
After an hour of deep relaxation, the last thing you’ll want to do is wrestle with a complicated outfit. Choosing comfortable clothes really pays off when your massage is over. You’ll likely feel serene, a bit sleepy, and maybe have some residual massage oil on your skin. Opt for something soft and forgiving that you can slip into easily. This helps extend that feeling of bliss as you head back out into the city. We also encourage you to drink plenty of water after your massage service to help your body process the therapeutic work and stay hydrated.
Our Commitment to Your Privacy and Comfort
Your peace of mind is the most important part of your massage experience. At Nola Bliss, we’ve built our reputation on providing professional, high-quality therapeutic services in an environment where you feel completely safe, respected, and at ease. From our strict draping policies to our unwavering standards for hygiene, every detail is designed with your comfort and privacy in mind. We want you to relax fully, knowing you are in the hands of dedicated, caring professionals who prioritize your well-being above all else.
Our Strict Draping Policy
Draping is the technique of using a sheet or towel to keep you covered during your massage, only exposing the area of the body the therapist is currently working on. This is a non-negotiable standard in professional massage therapy. Proper draping is an essential part of the massage experience that helps you feel safe, warm, and unexposed, allowing you to relax into the treatment. Our licensed massage therapists are experts in this practice. They will skillfully maneuver the linens to protect your privacy at all times, ensuring you never feel vulnerable. This commitment to professionalism is a cornerstone of our practice and something our entire team of therapists is dedicated to upholding.
Our Standards for Hygiene
A clean and sanitary environment is fundamental to a safe and relaxing massage. We adhere to the highest standards of hygiene, which includes our draping practices. Professional draping with a fresh, clean sheet not only ensures your comfort but also maintains a high standard of hygiene. We use freshly laundered linens for every single client, without exception. From the sheets on the table to the towels used, everything is meticulously cleaned to ensure a pristine setting for your treatment. This standard applies across all of our massage services, giving you confidence and peace of mind every time you visit our studio.
How We Ensure You Feel Safe and Respected
Ultimately, a great massage depends on a foundation of trust and clear communication. Our goal is to create an environment where you can completely unwind, and that starts with feeling respected. When draping is done well, you will feel comfortable and relaxed; if not, you can feel exposed. Our therapists are trained to make sure you are always at ease. They will check in with you about your comfort level and encourage you to speak up if anything feels off. Your session is your time, and we are here to provide a therapeutic experience that honors your boundaries and helps you get the most out of your Swedish massage.
Get the Most Out of Your Massage
Your comfort is the most important part of any massage experience. When you feel relaxed and secure from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, you get the full therapeutic benefits of your session. It all starts with knowing what to expect and feeling prepared. To make sure you feel completely at ease, we’ve put together a few final thoughts and a quick summary of what to keep in mind for your next appointment. Remember, our goal is to create a space where you can fully unwind, and that includes taking the guesswork out of the small details like what to wear.
A Quick Recap: Clothing Do’s and Don’ts
Let’s keep it simple. The golden rule is to wear something comfortable to your appointment—think clothes that are easy to slip on and off. Loose-fitting items like sweatpants, yoga pants, or a soft t-shirt are perfect choices. Avoid anything tight or restrictive that might feel like a hassle after your session. During the massage itself, you can undress to your personal comfort level. For many, that means removing everything, while for others, it means leaving their underwear on. Either option is completely fine and very common. Our professional therapists are trained to work with whatever makes you feel most comfortable while ensuring you receive an effective and relaxing Swedish massage.
A Few Extra Tips for Our Regulars
Even if you’ve been visiting us for years, it’s always a good idea to check in with yourself and your therapist. Your comfort needs can change from one session to the next, so never hesitate to speak up. If you’re feeling a bit chilly or want to adjust the draping, just let us know. Our team of therapists is here to listen and adapt the experience to you. Professional draping is our standard practice—it ensures you feel safe, warm, and completely covered throughout your massage, with only the area being worked on exposed. Your trust and comfort are what allow the true healing work to happen, so open communication is always welcome.
Ready to Book Your Next Session?
Now that you know exactly how to prepare, you can focus on the best part: the massage itself. Choosing comfortable clothes pays off when your session is over. There’s nothing better than floating out of the studio in a state of bliss, and the last thing you want is to fumble with tight jeans or complicated buttons. Keeping that serene feeling going is easy when you slip back into your coziest clothes. If you’re ready to experience that deep relaxation again, we’re here for you. You can easily book your next appointment online and give yourself another hour of well-deserved care.
Related Articles
- Massage Services | Nola Bliss Massage Therapy
- Event Massages | Nola Bliss Massage Therapy
- Ashiatsu | Nola Bliss Massage Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be completely undressed for my massage? Absolutely not. The most important thing is that you feel relaxed, so you should only undress to your personal comfort level. Many people leave their underwear on, and that is perfectly fine. Your massage therapist is a trained professional focused on your muscles and will ensure you are securely covered with a sheet throughout the entire session, regardless of what you choose to wear.
What exactly is “professional draping”? Professional draping is the skilled technique your therapist uses to keep you covered with a sheet and blanket during your massage. They will only uncover the specific part of your body they are working on at that moment, like your back or one leg. This practice is a standard in professional massage therapy that ensures you feel private, warm, and secure from start to finish.
What if I get cold or need the pressure changed during my session? Please speak up! This is your time, and your comfort is our main concern. Your therapist will likely check in with you, but you should always feel free to mention if you’re chilly, too warm, or if the pressure is too much or not enough. We can easily add another blanket or adjust our technique to make sure the experience is perfect for you.
Is it okay to leave my jewelry on? It’s best to remove all your jewelry before your massage begins. Necklaces and bracelets can get in the way of the therapist’s work on your neck and arms, and rings can be uncomfortable when your hands are massaged. Taking them off prevents them from getting coated in massage lotion and helps create a distraction-free experience for you.
Why is it suggested I wear loose clothing to my appointment? We recommend wearing comfortable clothes for a simple reason: it makes your experience more seamless. Easy-to-remove clothing makes getting ready for your session a breeze. More importantly, slipping back into something soft and non-restrictive after your massage helps you hold onto that wonderful, relaxed feeling as you head back out into the world.
